A young couple popped by the other day looking quite distraught. They had signed an agreement with a little old lady to purchase her house. All was looking good and they were ready complete when they learned she passed away unexpectedly. “Can we still buy our house,” … [Read more...]
Autonomy over Financial Affairs is a Widow’s Reasonable Right
The UK Court of Appeals upheld a widow’s right to autonomy over her financial affairs. Their July 2019 judgment follows a year of wrangling between the widow and her late husband’s trust. An inactive charitable charity added another twist to the tale. The Essence of … [Read more...]
Reasons Why You Might Need to Know Who Died First
This may seem a strange question but then probate has lots of unusual twists and turns. Let’s imagine a case - just for example - where two oldies became an item in a retirement home. While this may seem somewhat strange to youngsters, the fire of love often burns … [Read more...]
I am Next of Kin, But What Are My Rights?
There is no legal definition of what a next of kin is in Britain. Hence we generally believe what people say which is not always accurate. Moreover, being a next of kin does not guarantee your right to manage your late partner’s estate. If this sounds confusing as it … [Read more...]
I Inherited a House What Happens Next?
Well, you could do one of three things by the law of averages. You could live in it, rent it, or sell it and realise the value. However, in reality things are seldom that simple, especially if the house is in the United Kingdom because there are variations on these … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Contesting a Will in Probate Court
The probate court is a special division managing the estates of deceased persons. In most cases it approves an executor and checks they are following the wishes of the departed. From time to time somebody disagrees with what the will says, or how the executor … [Read more...]
The Big ‘Probate Mystery’ Unravelled
Probate has cropped up in the UK news lately, what with the government changing the system and having computer problems implementing it. Brexit has been a huge distraction too. The polemic over probate fees is still not solved although the overall rules haven’t changed. … [Read more...]
Probate in the Royal Family Versus Choosing a Guardian
The Sun published a robust article on this controversial topic. We decided to attempt a more balanced version of how the law dictates royals - and the Queen in particular – should respond to a death in their immediate family. This has become more relevant given the … [Read more...]
Probate Contents Valuation-Art Hoard Of 100 Paintings In Epsom Property
Art Hoard Of 100 Paintings In Epsom Property A recent probate contents valuation took me to a property in Epsom, and having taken on the appraisal at short notice I had no idea of the nature of the contents to be valued. After collecting the keys from the probate … [Read more...]
Whats Involved When Dealing With Probate – Why Its Wise To Use Professional Valuers!
Do you need to get probate granted? In England, probate is the term used when someone has died and their money, possessions and any property they own has to be put in order. Probate is granted through the courts and is the first step of administering a deceased … [Read more...]
